The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is a serious pest in several parts of the world and is one of the most destructive insects in Louisiana, USA. A pilot test was begun in 1998 to determine the effectiveness of area-wide management on this insect and to reduce its densities in a 15-block area of New Orleans’ French Quarter. The pilot test is a cooperative effort between the LSU Agricultural Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service and New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board. All but three of 323 properties in a contiguous 15-block area in the French Quarter were treated using commercially available baits or non-repellent termiticides selected by property owners and applied by professional pest control operators. Alate density was sampled during the flight season in 1998, 1999, and 2000 using glue boards hung near lamps on street lights. Foraging activity was monitored monthly beginning in January, 1999 by determining the number of in-ground stations with termites. Comparing alate densities in 2000 to those in 1999, a 30 % greater reduction was observed in the treated area than in the surrounding area. Additionally, the percentage of in-ground stations with termites was 50 % lower in the treated area compared to the surrounding area after August, 1999. Continued treatment and monitoring are required to determine the extent of and the long term effects of the area wide management program.
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA